Microscope - Messing insectenmicroscoop / insectoscoop - 1850-1900 - France

Original 19th-century brass-and-glass insect magnifier. With a large glass optical element, it offers a wonderful view of the subject inside. The subject, whether skewered on the spike or alive, is inserted by loosening the bottom. The pin rests in a groove and is fixed while the bottom is screwed back on. The small curved knob makes it possible to rotate the object on the pin. The glass side panels provide illumination from above and from the sides, while the glass bottom also allows transmitted light illumination. An identical example can be seen in the Singular Beauty Catalog collection of Ray Giordano and also in the Billings Collection catalog in Washington, DC.

Inside the insectoscope there is still an insect; it is in good condition, one leg wobbles a little, entirely in its original box.

Probably made in France or England.

Dimensions: 4.7 cm wide, height 8.5 cm.

See photos (an important part of the description and condition).

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